Listening to perspectives of Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek Elders, hunters, and youth on environmental contaminants and their impacts

Abstract

Traditional foods are integral to the Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek (AZA) First Nation in Northwestern Ontario. More than simply sustenance, they also play an integral role in the community’s culture, health and well-being, knowledges, and teachings. The impacts of environmental contaminants on their territories, located near Jellicoe, Ontario, are a significant concern for community members. While much of the scientific research has deemed these contaminants safe, many Elders, Knowledge Keepers, hunters, gatherers, and youth have expressed negative impacts on their food systems. This research aimed to explore the experiences and perspectives of AZA First Nation members regarding the impacts of environmental contaminants on food self-determination. It is based on a collaborative project between AZA First Nation, Understanding Our Food Systems, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, and Lakehead University. Together, we explored the impacts of glyphosate spraying, a non-selective herbicide used to control unwanted vegetation, on AZA First Nation’s lands, peoples, and non-human kin and what can be learned using different ways of knowing to advance healthy communities and environments. This research adds to existing conversations on glyphosate's impacts on human and environmental health and well-being and contributes to ongoing Indigenous food sovereignty work in the community and across the region. It also aims to add to the existing literature on using different ways of knowing when addressing complex issues.